UniFiji calls for stronger State action on racial discrimination

The University of Fiji has called for stronger State action to eliminate racial discrimination, particularly against minority cultural and linguistic communities.

The call was made as the university marked the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination last Saturday.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said laws and policies must actively promote equality and prevent prejudice from being embedded in the system.

“We need to set an example for young people so they do not repeat or rehash the prejudices of the past. The upcoming Education Bill focuses on promoting harmony in the education curriculum in Fiji, and this is a good illustration of how the law can help foster the right of everyone to be free from racial discrimination,” she said.

She warned that prejudice becomes unlawful when translated into policy or law.

“However, prejudice, which may be a human flaw, when translated by the State into policy or law, becomes racial discrimination and is prohibited under international human rights conventions which Fiji has ratified,” she said.

The day commemorates the victims of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa, where peaceful protesters were killed while opposing apartheid laws.

The university said Fiji’s multicultural identity remained a key strength, with diverse cultures, faiths and ethnic groups shaping the country’s social fabric and national identity.

It also noted that Fiji’s Constitution prohibits racial discrimination and that the country is a signatory to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in his message, said racism continued to persist globally, driven by historical injustices and modern challenges such as hate speech.

He called for unity and coordinated action by governments, institutions and communities to uphold human rights and dignity for all.

The University of Fiji reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive campuses and communities grounded in equality, respect and mutual understanding.